At 17, and approaching the end of high school, Keira Brailsford was already thinking seriously about what came next. Keen to begin her career through an apprenticeship, she took matters into her own hands and started researching businesses in her local area. That search led her to Cooper & Turner Limited (CTL) and an industry she knew little about but was keen to explore.
After spending a week of work experience with the team, Keira secured a two-year HR apprenticeship with the Group, starting in June 2026. She now combines her studies at college with practical experience at head office, working with teams across the business.
We spoke to her about what attracted her to CTL, what she’s learned since joining and where she hopes the opportunity could take her.
Making the first move
When Kiera first came across CTL, the industry was completely new to her – and that was part of the appeal. She was curious about a sector she hadn’t previously considered and saw the potential to start developing her HR skills within the business.
At the time, the HR apprenticeship had yet to be advertised externally. Keira contacted CTL directly to express her interest, putting herself on the team’s radar early and ultimately leading to her securing the placement.
Learning on the job
Keira now spends one day a week studying HR at college and four days putting that learning into practice at CTL.
Her role has already given her experience across a range of HR functions. She produces daily absence reports, supports payroll processes and helps prepare contracts, working directly with colleagues in finance and sales.
She has also visited several sites, meeting different teams and seeing the Group’s facilities and processes first-hand. This has helped her understand more about how the wider business operates and the people she supports through HR.
Starting work straight out of high school has meant adjusting quickly to a professional environment. Keira describes it as a big learning curve, but one she has enjoyed. While many of her friends continued into college or had the summer off, she was ready to get started and begin her career.
Room to grow
A big part of Keira’s development so far has been the trust she’s been given by her manager, Sara Baker. She is encouraged to work independently, while knowing Sara is there to offer guidance when she needs it.
That support extends to the wider team. Keira says colleagues made an effort to introduce themselves and welcome her when she joined, and she feels comfortable turning to different people across the department for help and advice.
This balance of independence and support has helped Keira settle into the role and become more confident in her work.
What’s next?
Keira is still at the beginning of her apprenticeship, but she is already thinking about where it could take her. Over the next two years, she hopes to continue learning from Sara and the wider team, deepen her understanding of HR and take on more within the department as her knowledge grows.
Looking further ahead, Keira would like to continue her career with CTL once she completes her apprenticeship. Her ambition is to keep developing within HR and build a long-term career in the field.
Investing in future talent
Keira is CTL’s first HR apprentice for several years, joining 5 other apprentices across a variety of disciplines within the wider business.
Apprenticeships form part of CTL’s approach to developing skills within its teams and creating opportunities for people at the beginning of their careers.
Sara Baker explains: “Apprenticeships allow us to bring people into the business early in their careers and support them as they develop their skills and confidence. Keira has made a great start, and we’re looking forward to seeing how she develops over the next two years.”
A message for future apprentices
For anyone considering an apprenticeship, Keira’s advice is simple: “just go for it”.
“Starting work at 17 has been a big change, but I’m really glad I chose an apprenticeship. I’m learning all the time, and I’d encourage other people my age to be open to opportunities, even in industries or roles they might not have considered before.”
Interested in starting your career with CTB Group? Explore our current opportunities and find out more about joining the team.
